| Barbara Wolfe, DVM,
Ph.D, DACZM |
| Director of Wildlife and Conservation Medicine, The Wilds |
| Health and Habitat Survey of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) in Ohio and West Virginia |
| Location: Ohio and West Virginia, USA |
| Species: Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) |
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| Abstract: Populations of the Eastern hellbender
(Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) have declined in distribution
and abundance due to a variety of anthropogenic factors. The Eastern hellbender
is listed as an endangered species in Ohio, and is considered to be a Species
in Greatest Need of Conservation in every state in which it occurs. Environmental
factors are known to affect health and disease in amphibians and are thought
to be integrally involved in the drastic global amphibian declines. Health
and disease status has not been investigated in Ohio hellbender populations.
The purpose of this project is to survey and monitor the health of hellbender
populations and their habitats in Ohio watersheds and to comparatively
analyze these variables to the populations and habitats of Buffalo Creek,
WV, which supports a vigorous population of hellbenders. These efforts
have the potential to identify threats to hellbenders in Ohio and can greatly
impact conservation of hellbenders in the state and the surrounding region. |
